The Dorset Bee – Beekeeping
Come and join our very popular Beginners Beekeeping Course in lovely rural Dorset.
This DofE Gold residential runs for 4 nights and 5 days and as we are an Approved Activity Provider it meets all the requirements for the residential component of your Gold Award.
Our approach is very Bee centred and holistic, you’ll find handling the bees surprisingly calming and mindful. Safety suits will be provided so you don’t need to worry about being stung.
We are on the Jurassic coast so we have scheduled some free time during your stay to enjoy the beautiful beaches that line this area of outstanding natural beauty.
You’ll be accommodated in glamping bell tents, with comfortable beds and access to an indoor classroom/common room with bathroom facilities. We also have an on- site kitchen where we will prepare meals, all food and drink is included. The farm where we run our Bee courses is beautiful, it’s being regenerated into a wildlife haven with wild Exmoor ponies, a large owl population, long horn cattle, Tamworth Pigs and fields of pollinator friendly planting supporting the Bees and Butterflies. The farm also has a beautiful sunflower trail and games room for our students to enjoy.
We will spend time in the evenings around the fire pit, cooking pizzas in the outdoor oven or having a delicious bbq watching the sunset on the nearby beach.
Our course is very hands on and practical. You’ll be learning all about the Beekeeping year, colony composition and organisation, the effects of habitat loss, and what you can do to save the bees!
We hope you’ll feel confident at the end of the course to one day host your own colony.
Our nearest train station is Axminster served by a direct line from London. We can collect you from the station.
We only run 3 courses per year and places are limited, our next dates are:
3 July to 7 July 2023
10 July to 14 July 2023
17 July to 21 July 2023
The rate is £949 per person.
Some of our 2022 Reviews …
My experience with the Dorset Bee was exceptional. Their knowledge combined with hands on experience gave me a unique 5 day experience I’m not sure I could’ve had anywhere else. I feel confident in the knowledge they’ve given me a solid foundation on both how bees work, and how to care for a hive. A brilliant place to go on your DofE residential and any other Beekeeping experiences they offer. – Max 2022
‘I had a wonderful time doing my Gold DofE Residential at the Dorset Bee. The team are great, knowledgeable and really friendly. I liked everything. It was a truly unique experience. I would recommend it. – Matthew 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed my five days away, not only because I got to learn about bees but also because I got to meet some lovely people (who I’m sure I’ll stay in contact with). Helen was so hospitable and made the stay very comfortable. – Helena 2022
I can’t pick out my highlight of the trip because I enjoyed it all so much. It was like nothing I have ever done before. I would definitely recommend signing up.
Thank you, – Rhys 2022
Thank you so much for such a lovely 5 days on the beekeeping course, I had the most wonderful time! I learnt a lot of fascinating information that has changed my view on honeybees by making me realise how important and clever they are. The honey I brought home was delicious, my family enjoyed it too! I had such a lovely time getting to know the other people on the course and we all got along so well and had lots of fun. I would thoroughly recommend this course. – Emily 2022
Thank you so much for such a wonderful week, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone there (including the bees!)
Over the course of the week I feel as though I learned so much, definitely enough to feel confident in keeping a colony of honey bees safely.
Once again, thank you to Helen, Sarah, and Gareth for giving me an unforgettable experience. – Harry 2022
‘Our daughter had an amazing few days on her DofE residential and came away bursting with knowledge and enthusiasm for bee-keeping. Despite knowing no one, Helen made sure the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Our daughter particularly enjoyed the early morning walk to the sea for a quick dip before breakfast. – SS 2022
Had the most amazing week in sunny Dorset, learning all about and interacting daily with the bees. Helen and her family were so welcoming and lovely, and Helen just seems to know everything about bees! Such a fab introduction to different beekeeping approaches, and a really nice time with trips to the local beach and pizza making. Would 100% recommend this for anyone looking for a more gentle, relaxing and educational DofE residential! Thank you again for such an amazing week, and my family absolutely loved the honey!! – Riona 2022
